Physical Evidence Museum
A survey conducted in Switzerland in autumn 2021, revealed that 42% of women have been subject to domestic violence at least once. Half of these cases were kept silent by victims or others who knew about it, in fear of making the situation worse. Or maybe because of shame and guilt that should never be theirs to feel. Or because nobody would believe. Or because of weariness. Or in hope that it would pass.
«Physical Evidence Museum» is an exhibition in an ordinary Bernese apartment made of everyday things that have been collected with the help of many women in Switzerland and Latvia. All the objects on display are witnesses of domestic violence yet they would never be accepted as credible evidence in court or police. Violence as seen through the eyes of the women opens up a space to share not only pain but also empathy, tenderness and triumph.
On 15.5. from 19:00 to 22:00 there will be a reading of testimonies in the exhibition. Survivors, friends and supporters will read longer personal stories of domestic violence.
«Physical Evidence Museum» is the second project by choreographer and performer Jana Jacuka and dramaturg Laura Stašāne. It has already been presented in Riga, Tallinn and Warsaw in collaboration with local women.
Here you can find the brochure to «Physical Evidence Museum».
Items are still being collected for the museum. Women who would like to share their personal stories are cordially invited to do so (anonymous is also possible). Info and contact possibilities can be found here.
Trigger warning
The exhibition contains accounts of violence against women.
For people with vision disabilities
The reading on 15.5. is accessible for people with vision disabilities. The private flat does not have any tactile indicators. If you need assistance, please contact us via the Special Check-In.
Relaxed Performance
The installation is set in a relaxed setting. You can walk through the installation by yourself and read or listen to the stations at your own pace. You can leave at any time. In most rooms, there is no seating. You are not expected to be completely quiet. The private flat is not darkened. There are no loud noises.
Surtitles
Each audience member reads the stories on their own. About 3 out of the 50 stories are only accessible through sound at listening stations.
Special Check-In
We offer the possibility of a Special Check-In for the reading on 15.5. If for any reason you would like to avoid the crowded flat, have trouble finding your way in the flat, need a special seat or require assistance due to a mobility restriction, please contact us in advance (silja.gruner@auawirleben.ch). Someone from the team will accompany you according to your needs.
- Creation
- Laura Stašāne, Jana Jacuka
- Artist
- Izolde Cēsniece
- Designer
- Sabīne Ozoliņa
- Sound and video
- Jēkabs Nīmanis
- Production assistant
- Jana Aizupe
- Dramaturgy Bern
- Ruth Huber
- Scenography Bern
- Jasmin Wiesli
- Museum guard Bern
- Lou Steiger
- Technician Bern
- Petz Luginbühl
Production: Laura Stašāne, Jana Jacuka, New Theatre Institute of Latvia
Co-funded by "Magic Carpets" platform of the "Creative Europe" programme
Premiere: September 2020 at the International festival of contemporary theatre Homo Novus in Riga
Thank you to Anna, Karlīna, Rasha, Michelle, Jana, Sabīne, Zuzanna, Heneliis, and every woman who shared their experience, and thanks to Emma Murray, Fachstelle Häusliche Gewalt, Stiftung gegen Gewalt an Frauen und Kindern, JVA Hindelbank, Opferhilfe Bern and many more.
The Physical Evidence Museum is open Wed-Fri from 5pm to 9pm, Sat from 3pm to 8pm and Sun from 3pm to 7pm. You are free to choose when you visit the performance. Allow approx. 50 minutes. The ticket sale ends on the day at 5 pm or 3 pm. Tickets are still available on site. In this case, please call teh aua-office for the address of the apartment: 031 318 62 16.